Contributed by Roz Novak-Houston,MS Society Client and Therapist
At 56 I never thought, I would take up horseback riding. As a person living with MS it seemed even more ridiculous to imagine me riding, my balance is off, I have vertigo when I am tired and those animals are so big!
Susan our instructor was a wonderful director and teacher. She told us exactly what was happening, and what we were to do. First the mount, yes off a wooden platform, designed I suspect for us handicapped folks. All you had to do was lift your leg, (if you were able) over the horses back. There were several side walkers who were available to help with whatever was needed. OK, you’re on your horse, which incidentally was a beautiful and graceful animal. We were told their name, which to me did not always match what I would have imagined. Killian was who I rode for almost six weeks, the length of the course.
“Arms out”, “now reach back with the opposite hand and touch the horse’s behind”, “now forward, touch their neck”. Now this may seem simple to some of you, but when you have little balance it’s a feat, and a skill, that was so tactile, and moving. I learned to sit up, and still remain relaxed. I felt like I was on the top of the world. I even learned or at least tried to keep my head up, even though every part of me wanted to look down.
I also learned the meaning of laughing at this disability. While getting off her horse, Karen, a fellow student who had worked her leg muscles in ways they had not worked in years, found her legs were not up to supporting her at first. Susan and her side-walker guided her as she sat on the ramp and then immediately helped her to her feet. The best part was that Karen, laughed and laughed from the moment she sank to the ramp. This in turn, lead Paul her husband (who also has MS) and me to also laugh hard, and out loud. I have not laughed once about this disease since its inception 28 years ago, but this seemed right, it so was funny, and she was fine. So we all laughed, that is us folks with MS, and in Karen’s case brain cancer. Now our fourth student was Ed. Although he was very quiet, and mentally handicapped, it was clear that he was having fun. He like us, followed Susan’s instructions, and truly looked liked he belonged on his horse.
The final week, we took a long trail ride into the woods. Now for many people, this would not seem like a big deal, but to someone who can no longer walk in the woods; it was more than a big deal. The horses did all the work, we just had to stay balanced, and enjoy the nature, leafs, and color around us. This walk may not strike you as odd or even difficult, but to someone who loved the woods, and hiking, and having loss the simple skill of walking on uneven terrain, having the horse take me on this adventure, was so wonderful. I loved every bit of this walk. I don’t suspect I will ever become a rider, but I know that what I learned was so valuable, and physically so helpful. I loved my six week experience, and would most certainly do it again if given the opportunity. Windrush Farm, you’re the best!!!!
The MS Society of New England sponsored this endeavor. I am a therapist by profession, who works three days a week, sitting quietly and listening. My job is perfect for a person living with this darn disease. Thanks, Roz Novak-Houston
